Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G24AS00243

Opportunity Information: Apply for G24AS00243

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), through its Southwest Biological Science Center, is offering a discretionary cooperative agreement under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, specifically tied to the Great Basin CESU. The core purpose of this opportunity is to maintain and strengthen an ongoing working relationship between USGS and an eligible CESU partner so they can carry out applied research focused on decision methods along the Colorado River in Arizona. In practical terms, the project is meant to support research that helps decision-makers evaluate options, compare tradeoffs, and apply science-based methods to real management questions connected to the Colorado River system.

This funding opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, which generally signals substantial involvement by the federal agency during the life of the project. Rather than a hands-off grant, a cooperative agreement typically means USGS staff will collaborate with the recipient on elements such as project direction, technical coordination, data considerations, and ensuring the work stays aligned with the intended management and research outcomes. The activity area falls under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reflecting that the funded work is expected to be research-oriented and produce usable methods, analyses, or tools that inform applied decisions.

Eligibility is limited and specific. Applicants must be participating partners of the Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, and the award is intended for one CESU member partner. CESUs are established partnerships designed to bring together federal agencies, universities, tribes, nonprofits, and other institutions to deliver research, technical assistance, and education that support public resource stewardship. This announcement is essentially using that CESU framework to quickly and directly engage a qualified partner organization already inside the Great Basin CESU network.

Key administrative details include the funding opportunity number G24AS00243 and the CFDA (now commonly referenced as Assistance Listing) number 15.808. The agency listed is the Geological Survey (USGS). The opportunity was created on January 18, 2024, with an original closing date of February 19, 2024. The award ceiling is $180,000, indicating the maximum amount available under this particular award. The notice states this is a discretionary opportunity and anticipates making a single award, consistent with the “to one member” language in the description.

Overall, this opportunity is best understood as targeted support for a CESU-affiliated partner to work directly with USGS on applied decision methods research relevant to Colorado River management issues in Arizona, with an emphasis on collaboration, practical decision support value, and leveraging the existing CESU partnership structure.

• The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-01-18.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-02-19. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $180,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G24AS00243

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